Christian Ways to Teach Children Listening Skills
Strong listening skills will enable your child to develop deeper and more meaningful relationships. Such skills will enhance friendships, family bonds and school interactions. People are happier and more fulfilled when they know how to listen effectively. This is acknowledged from Solomon to the secular. Dale Carnegie, in his renowned 1936 book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," lists being a good listener and encouraging others to talk about themselves as vital. Good listening skills are universally acknowledged.
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Value Silence
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Good listening skills begin with recognizing the value of silence. Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, "[There is] a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." King Solomon also writes, in Proverbs 17:28, "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Christian parents should teach their children that you can't listen if you are busy talking and that it's possible to spare ourselves embarrassment by listening first, rather than being quick to formulate an answer.
Sweet Words Taste Better
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The Bible states, in Proverbs 12:14, "A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth." The old adage says that we should be careful what we say because we may end up having to "eat our words." Christian children should be reminded that when they listen to what others have to say it will help them develop a more appropriate response. We will not speak harshly to people if we listen to them first. We will never regret listening first and weighing our responses.
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Get the full story
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Christian parents and educators can remind children that careful listening will save them from the consequences of forming rash judgments. Proverbs 18:13 states, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him." Solomon also writes, in Proverbs 18:17, "The first to plead his case seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him." Children should be taught that there is always more than one side to a story. They must be reminded that they will miss important information if they are too quick to speak and too slow to listen.
Encouraging Others
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Listening helps us fulfill the spirit of what Christ desires in our relationships. Jesus said you should "love you neighbor as yourself." St. Paul writes, in Galatians 6:2, "Bear each others burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Christian parents and educators should teach children that it greatly pleases God when we encourage others. Children can be reminded that it can lift another person's spirit when we listen with a caring ear, rather than always looking for chances to offer our opinions. Sometimes, when a person is carrying a burden, the most loving thing we can do is listen.
Role Play
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There are many fun, practical ways for parents to teach their children better listening skills. Jojo Tabares makes a suggestion in an article titled, "Communication FUNdamentals: 10 Fun Ways To Teach Children Effective Communication Skills," highlighted in the reference section below. Among her ten suggestions is "playing telephone." A Christian parent might use such pretend conversations to help their children develop good listening skills by coaching them on when to interject their opinions or by correcting them when they inappropriately interrupt.
Use Playtime
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Jodie Lynn, in her article, "Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the REAL ABC's)," suggests having play conversations using dolls or action figures or reading to your child. You should instruct them ahead of time that during the duration of the reading they are to remain quiet and hold their questions to the end. This activity will help a child learn to control his emotions and eagerness, and to save his comments for a more appropriate time.
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References
- The Christian Woman; Communication FUNdamentals: 10 Fun Ways To Teach Children Effective Communication Skills; Jojo Tabares;
- Families Online Magazine; Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the REAL ABC's); Jodie Lynn
- "How to Win Friends and Influence People;" Dale Carnegie; 1936
- Biblegateway.com; New King James Version
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
